GRE test prep

Are there any tips, strategies, or methods people have used to help their studying for the GRE exam be more effective and productive. I currently work a full-time job and I'm looking for any kind of help and guidance on how I should tackle this exam.

Jeff Oxendine, have you posted anything about GRE studying or helpful tips in the past?

Replies to This Discussion

Hi Amani! I was also working a full-time job while studying for the GRE. What really helped me was a resource a friend of mine shared with me, which is Magoosh's online videos. For about $100, I paid for access to videos that taught all concepts in the quantitative, verbal, and writing portion. This helped immensely on days when I felt too fatigued to read a book. I liked that I could play them on my smartphone during lunch or squeeze in a quick study session during my 15 minute breaks because they have an app for the desktop version. They also have a huge bank of at least 1,000 questions. Their website also has nice, short blog posts, a fun free vocab booklet and mathematical definitions pdf. Here's the link if you're interested:http://gre.magoosh.com/

I also highly recommend going to the ETS.org website. They have lesson plans and plenty of practice questions for the written section and about 2 or so free practice exams. You can purchase the book too.

I also used Manhatten Prep's 5lb book of GRE questions and downloaded some vocab flashcard apps on my phone.

Basically, I tried to switch it up with books when I had energy and online videos and smartphone apps when time was short or I was fatigued.

I tried Kaplan and Princeton Review, but I felt that they were good for simple explanations, but not compex ones. Kaplan does offer free practice tests online and in person every now and then, so subscribe to those announcements on their website.

Thank you so so very much for your thoughtful response. I didn't really think anyone would reply back but you truly made my day! I appreciate your input and tip. I actually researched Magoosh for a few days and just purchased the premium package. Something about Magoosh that feels different, maybe it's the videos that Kaplan or other traditional GRE prep courses don't exactly offer- SO THANK YOU.

Hi Amani - Sounds like you already got some great info. One thing that really helped me and several friends was selecting a test date from the beginning and using a study plan (any of the companies Helena recommended will have them) to work towards that date. Of course give yourself some flexibility -- a couple of weeks for unforeseen study delays. But I found having that test date to work towards really helped structure and motivate me. If you have a chance I would find an off-site study location. I worked closed to my undergrad institution and went to a library there in the evenings. After a full day of work I would have found it very hard to study at home. Good luck!